CAE Methodology for Optimization of Automotive NVH Performance through Wheel Structure Modifications

Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) has been considered as one of the biggest challenges in the automotive industry since it is a source of complaints from passengers for decades. A typical automotive wheel has a very important role in optimizing the NVH performance of the vehicle body. An automotive tire is the primary component which is directly in contact with road disturbances. If structural dynamics of the tire is optimized, it can significantly reduce the transmitted noise and vibration to the passenger cabin. Here frequency response analysis is conducted using a developed finite element model of the wheel (tire and rim). The frequency response has been derived using an impulse input force and measuring the acceleration in radial and axial directions. This analysis can give us the resonances and anti-resonances that can be tuned to achieve a desirable performance. Desirable output can be considered as a low noise and vibration inside the automotive cabin to have customer satisfaction.